The brand new yr makes many people think about attempting one thing we have by no means finished earlier than. possibly you need running a marathon or go to a brand new nation.
What about each?
I like running and after I was invited to the Treg Algeria Path to the Sahara Desert for per week of ultramarathons and excursions, I could not resist a visit to see what it was all about.
What’s Treg Algiers Street?
Treg organizes path operating and desert marathon holidays around the globe. They’re multi-day, multi-distance races wherein runners should orient themselves with a GPS. carry everything they need – together with water, meals and further layers – with them.
Though the terrain varies from nation to nation, the corporate prides itself on its distinctive and beautiful areas. I took the runners’ final journey by the desert landscapes of Timimoun in Algeria.
Runners had a selection of 45km, 90km or 180km routes – all taking them by dunes, oases, plateaus and mountains.
The one-week journey included two days of excursions, one to start out and end, at some point of preparation and security checks, and three days to finish their chosen distance.
The race began early on a Tuesday morning within the coronary heart of Timimoun. There was an incredible ambiance on the beginning line with native singers and musicians that excited everybody. It was virtually like a competition.
From right here to checkpoint 1, the primary a part of the race was the identical route for everybody, it doesn’t matter what distance they ran.
At this level, I have to admit that I solely accomplished this primary 20km part, not the whole route. I really like operating however I solely had seven weeks to organize and I am not match sufficient to run a marathon within the desert, by no means thoughts operating a marathon within the desert.
Fortunately for me on the primary day of the race there was a pleasant cool breeze to fight the warmth.
Nonetheless, this was my first journey to the Sahara, and after I joined the opposite runners for the primary a part of their journey, I used to be completely mesmerized by the surroundings.
Who’s the desert marathon for?
In the beginning of the race, I spent my time operating and trekking with all types of individuals. I walked for some time with a workforce of Algerian feminine guards.
I requested them why they determined to return and do that race.
“Life is brief, why not go on an journey?” somebody answered.
Throughout my week in Algeria, I additionally met many different fascinating and admittedly inspiring folks.
If such an journey trip tempts you, however you do not have pals who’re as invested as you in operating lengthy distances within the desert, concern not.
Everybody was so pleasant and the group finally felt like one large household, making it an incredible choice for solo vacationers.
The typical age for ultra-distance occasions tends to be barely greater, because it takes time to construct up your stamina. Nonetheless, the ages ranged from about 30 to the mid-70s, and it attracts a reasonably even distribution of women and men.
I met a 71-year-old man who had accomplished the 180km distance. He then deliberate to spend the following few months strolling from Algiers, the capital of Algiers, to Nantes in western France.
Was he offended? Possibly. Was it unimaginable? Completely.
When is the very best time to go to Timimoun?
Timimoun is a city and district in central Algeria, a couple of two-hour flight from southern Algeria. It is named a crimson oasis attributable to its hanging signature architectural model.
In line with Toufik Boudraa, proprietor of the Djenane Malek resort the place all of us stayed, the very best time to go to is between October and the tip of April.
You’ll get rid of the scorching warmth of summer season whereas having fun with the recent, sunny days. Nonetheless, remember to take a sweater and jacket with you because the climate will get cooler within the evenings.
Is it secure to go to Algeria?
The UK FCDO recommends that locations inside 30km of the Tunisia, Libya, Mauritania, Mali and Niger borders not be visited, however the remainder of the nation can nonetheless be visited.
Algeria was a fairly closed nation earlier than, however is now making an effort to open up and welcome tourism.
The checks on the airport are in depth – I feel I checked. my bag has been checked thrice earlier than boarding the aircraft. Whereas it could appear excessive, it may be seen as a reassuring signal of safety commitments.
Algeria is a Muslim nation, however ladies are usually not required to cowl their hair or face. I nonetheless wore a shawl in case I needed to go to any spiritual buildings.
As for the race, there have been strict procedures to maintain everybody secure. Every runner was fitted with a tracker, carried a cellular phone, and was capable of ship a misery sign from GPS units.
All through the whole 180km distance, there have been eight checkpoints, every with a physician, the place runners might relaxation, refill their water provide and search medical consideration.
There was additionally navy help with automobiles and helicopters to spy on the world for anybody in any case. so lost. Fortunately no one did.
The following Treg Algiers Street might be held in Timimoun from 25 November 2023.
Hannah Brown was the visitor of ANEP (Algeria Nationwide Publishing and Promoting Company).
To see extra of Hannah’s journey in Algeria, watch the video above.
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